Redshirt Staying Off for Pitt WR Shocky Jacques-Louis

PITTSBURGH — True freshman Pitt wide receiver Shocky Jacques-Louis is expected to play on Saturday against Central Florida, which will be his fifth game of the 2018, thus assuring him of utilizing a full season of eligibility.

Jacques-Louis is listed as the Panthers starter at the X wide receiver position this week, ahead of redshirt freshman Dontavius Butler-Jenkins and junior Aaron Mathews.

In his first four games, Jacques-Louis has made four catches for 33 yards (8.3 yards per catch) and also carried the ball six times for 69 yards (11.5 yards per carry.)

Pitt WR Shocky Jacques-Louis fields a punt while receivers coach Kevin Sherman looks on at practice Sept. 18, 2018

“He’s going to play,” Pitt head coach Pat Narduzzi said on Thursday.

The only other true freshmen to play this season have been corner back Marquis Williams, who played the opener and running back Mychale Salahuddin, who has played the last two games. For the first time in 2018, players can play up to four games without using a season of eligibility.

Narduzzi said Salahuddin’s availability beyond those four games is up in the air.
“I told him, ‘After four games, you’re going to have to make us play you,’” Narduzzi said. “He’s a good kid and that’s the advantage of those four games is that we’re able to find a little niche for him, whether it’s three plays a game or four plays a game.”

Salahuddin is behind sophomore A.J.Davis and seniors Qadree Ollison and Darrin Hall on Pitt’s depth chart at running back. 
Salahuddin has gained 34 yards on three carries.

“He’s got to be better,” Narduzzi said. “We lose two tailbacks this year. We’re preparing for the future.”